Report to help ensure efficient delivery of local infrastructure

Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard has welcomed the release of a report by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) which will help ensure local infrastructure is provided efficiently.

Public submissions will be sought on the draft report - which looks at infrastructure benchmark costs for over 60 key items ranging from roads and footpaths to libraries and swimming pools - before a final report is released in March 2014.

“This is another step towards more cost effective provision of local infrastructure,” Mr Hazzard said.

“To put downward pressure on housing prices – particularly in greenfield areas – it is absolutely fundamental that we ensure that infrastructure is provided at the lowest possible cost.”

The classes of infrastructure which can be benchmarked, according to IPART, include:

local roads and bridges;

stormwater works;

local open space; and

basic community facilities.

“This important work will provide a baseline to help resolve debates between developers and councils about the actual costs of infrastructure and the level of contributions which are paid by developers,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This report endorses the vision outlined by the new planning system to use benchmarked costs for local essential infrastructure.”

The NSW Planning Bill, currently being debated by the Upper House of NSW Parliament, proposes a modern new planning system for NSW which will ensure infrastructure is planned for and provided alongside growth.

“Benchmarking will help ensure consistency in the way councils calculate developer contributions - it will guarantee much greater transparency and should help improve the supply of affordable homes and land,” Mr Hazzard said.